Student to Bike Across United States

Have you ever thought about cycling across the country? Well Alicia Chen has, and she’s going for it! Chen, a junior at the University of North Carolina will bike 3,600 miles from Nags Head, North Carolina to San Diego, California. With a passion for cycling that stems back to her high school days, Chen decided in that starting in May, she’s going to put that passion to use and cycling across the United States.

Alicia Chen will be cycling for the Pennsylvania-based nonprofit Bike & Build. Bike & Build has strong ties with the University of North Carolina drawing more students from their than any other school. In fact, just this year alone, 13 students and alumni from UNC will be making the trek across the country.

During her freshman year, Chen met a man who shared his struggle with being homeless. She wanted to raise awareness for him as well as others who struggle in similar ways. During her trip across the United States, Chen will be building houses with Habitat for Humanity for those in need.

Chen must raise $4,500 for her trip to fund the cost of travel and building costs. She won’t be on her own. Rumors, a vintage clothing store in Chapel Hill will host a benefit night where from 3pm-7pm, the store will donate 20% of the stores profits towards Chen’s efforts.